BIAM''s output this year? "We estimate we can make about 800,000 to 1 million (heads)," Yan said at the AMM conference. Grandis Metals'' rough estimate for worldwide annual consumption of titanium casting billet by the golf industry--excluding Japan but including the U.S., China and Japan--is searsdrillpress 1,500 to 2,000 tonnes per year. The use of purchased scrap is between 700 and 1,000 tonnes, while sheet represents some searsdrillpress 200 to 400 tonnes, bar 100 to 150 tonnes and welding wire 60 to 100 tonnes, according to Grandis. When Ruger Investment Casting built its Prescott, Ariz., plant in 1996-97, its entire output was dedicated-to golf club heads. Today, while Ruger doesn''t disclose golf''s portion, general manager John Thorne agreed that it was significantly less than the plant''s capacity. Ruger already is participating in, searsdrillpress or actively pursuing, business in a wide range of markets, including marine applications, industrial, oil and gas and architectural products, among others.

Several months ago I was drafted into installing a few extra diffuser grilles in a religious building. As I was trying to screw the diffusers into a boot we had already installed and connected flex duct to, the thought hit me: Why doesn''t someone make a diffuser and boot that you can connect to flex duct from down below, then simply snap the whole assembly into the ceiling? Imagine my surprise to find that Airtec Products Corp. makes just such an item. Their Model MY diffusers come in two-way, three-way and four-way configurations. They can accommodate 6-in., 7-in. and 8-in. flex duct and have internal balance dampers. You assemble them below, push them into place and turn screws that spread wings above the drywall

Jim/Stafford: Early design involvement on the part of the manufacturer is the best way to make sure the resulting component will be reliable and effective.Jeff/Tollok: Carefully review your application requirements. Shaft material, hub material, transmittable torques, and bending moments can influence your selection of the proper locking assembly.Intelligent designWhat can searsdrillpress DESIGNERS do when selecting and applying locking devices to improve productivity?Jeff/KTR: Obtaining comprehensive technical information will improve selection and performance. Find a manufacturer that maintains the quality of materials, dimensions, and surface finishes.Jeff/Tollok: Too often not enough questions are asked, and selections are made based on previous designs. Don''t use the same locking assembly simply because it was used elsewhere on the same machine or on a previous machine design. Involve your supplier and use their experience to get recommendations.

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